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How to Convert Giga Samples

Tascam's GigaStudio sampling software used the proprietary GigaSample format to store and manipulate audio sample banks. The company discontinued the software in 2009; as of the time of publication, it had no plans to reintroduce GigaStudio and offered no support for the software. If you've migrated from GigaStudio to another sampling program, you'll need to convert your GigaSample banks, which use the file extension ".gig," to a format that your new software can recognize.

Instructions

    • 1

      Convert GigaSamples to another format using Awave Studio. This program can convert GigaSamples into hundreds of different file formats, including common formats like WAV and MP3 and proprietary formats like Propellerheads Reason SXT and Logic EXS. Awave studio lets you listen to and edit samples before deciding if you want to convert them, and even includes a built-in MIDI-capable virtual synthesizer. The developer offers a shareware demo version of the program.

    • 2

      Use Extreme Sample Converter to change GigaStudio samples into a different format. This program can convert GigaSamples into the widely-supported Sampletank and SoundFont formats, as well as to Halion and Kontakt banks. You can also use the built-in wave editor to audit and loop a sample, then export it to a WAV, FLAC or AIFF file that nearly any audio editing program can open. Extreme Sample Converter comes in both a limited demo version and a fully-functional paid version.

    • 3

      Run GigaSamples through Chicken Systems Translator. This software package can convert samples in the .GIG format into formats compatible with software from Native Instruments, Propellerheads and Steinberg. It also supports conversion into Apple Loops, Stylus RMX files and the Cakewalk SFZ format, as well as cross-platform formats like WAV and MP3. Translator can reformat GigaSamples for hardware samplers as well: it supports devices from Akai, Roland, Yamaha and others. Chicken Systems offers a limited trial version of the program for free.

Digital Music

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